Yay!!! Senate Passes the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill

I am so so glad today. I just read the cheering news that the Senate has passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill, which seeks to prohibit female circumcision, forceful ejection from home and harmful widowhood practices.

I’ve been a part of of advocacy and projects that educate women and girls against cultural practices such as female circumcision and I’m so happy those actions are finally yielding results! This is a step in the right direction and is so dear to my heart.

The bill, when signed to law by the President, would also help eliminate violence in private and public life, provide maximum protection, effective remedies for victims of violence and punishment of offenders.

The bill also prohibits abandonment of spouse, children and other dependents without sustenance as well as forbids battery and harmful traditional practices.

It equally prohibits economic abuse, forced isolation and separation from family and friends, substance attack, depriving persons of their liberty, incest, indecent exposure, among others.

I can’t wait to see this bill passed into law and for all Nigerians to enjoy a violence-free life. Let’s continue to raise our voices against such violent practices and protect children around us.